How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

It would be great if the fishing line had an expiration date on the packaging but unfortunately it does not. This is because there is not any rule or a set length of time till which fishing line can last after which it expires.

There are a few different types of fishing lines. There are mono filament, fluorocarbon and braided fishing lines and all of these types have different life spans.

Checking How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

Fishing lines longevity depends on different things like its build material, what it is used for and how are you using it. There are different types of fishing line like monofilament fishing line, fluorocarbon line, and braided fishing line.

Durability of these different types of line may vary due to their build materials. So, let us check out how long do these lines will keep in shape.

Durability of the monofilament fishing line?

Monofilament fishing lines are very effective when fishing but compared to the other types of fishing lines, this one has the shortest life. This is because of the fact that monofilament lines are most vulnerable to heat and UV light which degrades it rather quickly.

Usually trout fishing aren’t really easy with these lines. Because of the lightweight material of these lines, using these may not be very long if you are a serious angler. However, you need to carry extra reel of lines for the safety of hassle-free angling with the monofilament lines.

There are few of the monofilament fishing line that usually lasts longer than others. Let’s check out these lines below.

Replacement Recommendations:

• Shelf Life: Discard it 2 to 3 years after sitting on the shelf.
• Weekend Fishing: Once a year or once every one and a half year works.
• Moderate Fishing: 2 to 3 times a year.
• Heavy fishing: 3 to 4 times a year 3 or 4 times a year.

How long will fluorocarbon fishing line last?

Fluorocarbon fishing lines are not affected and damaged by UV light, therefore, it will stay in good shape a lot longer. So, most of the lines of these kinds will come with better longevity itself. They may not be as light as the monofilament spinning and fishing line, but using them is usually easy and hassle-free.

Therefore, many anglers prefer it due to it being transparent and for its durability compared to monofilament lines.

However, a better quality fluorocarbon line will give you better longevity than the line which is made cheaply. Like if you check the best fluorocarbon line for trout, they will naturally come from a trusted brand and with better quality.

Here are few suggestions for the anglers.

Replacement Recommendations:

• Shelf Life: Throw it away if it has been sitting for more than 7 years.
• Weekend fishing: Once every 2 to 3 years.
• Moderate fishing: 1 or 2 times a year.
• Heavy fishing:  2 or 3 times a year.

Durability of braided fishing line last?

Looking for the toughest and sturdiest line for your next fishing trip. You should then check out the braided fishing line. These are great for all kinds of trout fishing or fly fishing with out worrying much about the lines.

The braided line will undoubtedly last you the longest compared to the other two types. It is made up of multiple strands of human-made fibers woven together into a single line.

These lines are able to hold more weight compared to the other two types and this is mainly why this may be chosen.

Replacement Recommendations:

• Shelf Life: Throw it away if it has been sitting on the shelf for more than 10 years.
• Weekend Fishing: Once every 3 to 4 years.
• Moderate fishing: 2 times a year.
• Heavy fishing:  Once a year

Things to Check Before Replacing Fishing Line

Before replacing fishing, line is sure to check for a few things. Check if there are:

• Scars or nicks on the fishing line.
• Creases in your fishing line
• Fading of your fishing line

Check for Imperfection and Don’t Hurry

It is important that you look out for any imperfection on the line before you start using it if you do not want it to snap during fishing.

There might be creases in your line if you have been tying your knots in a hurry or it might be due to backlashing. This may lead to your fishing line breaking when you try to pick up a big fish.

Improving the Line If it is Imperfect

If there are imperfections, then you can decide to cut off the affected part of the fishing line if it is near the bottom end and you have enough line left after cutting the part off or you can replace the whole line altogether.

You can use the best oil for the reels and lines that will keep itself protected from the salty water during your fishing.

You should also inspect your fishing rod if it comes in contact with anything other than your rod or reel such as a fish or a sharp edge.

What If You Aren’t Sure?

If you still are not sure if your line is still useful but are not sure about throwing it away. Then you can test its strength out for yourself. Try to tie a heavy object to it and try to pick it up.

You could tie the line to a doorknob and pull on it to see if it can keep up with the force. You must have protective gear on before trying testing out your line because if your line breaks off, it can dangerously come at your face and injure you.

Taking proper care of your line

Check out these tips for caring you fishing line.

• Storing it in a cool, dry place.
• You can clean the line before testing it with catching catfishes or trouts.
• Regular inspection and trimming of imperfections if it is near the end of the line
• Tying the knots with care and remembering to wet the line and cinch it slowly.
• Spool the line if you are not using it.

Last Few Words

All in all, if you are not planning to lose a fish when you are out fishing or do not want to potentially fall off your boat if your line snaps then you must know about the durability of your fishing line.

The different types of lines have different life spans and durability starting with the monofilament with the shortest life and the braided with the longest.

The life of your line can be lengthened by taking proper care of it and making sure it does not see any use other than fishing.